Agree with Tricia on why Ma kept Jack and did not give him up. Having another person to connect with probably helped to make each day worth getting out of bed for, when otherwise she had every reason not to try. I think I would definitely miss the connections with people the most if I was locked in room. Not having the opportunity to have a conversation, share a smile, a touch, a kiss, etc. would eat a person up inside...and just being left with your own thoughts could easily be enough to drive you "crazy".
In the end I really enjoyed the book, although I will admit that I was glad to know that they did "escape" the room prior to reading the book thanks to the book jacket (otherwise it may have been a little hard to read given the depressing subject matter). I was fascinated by how well the author seemed to capture Jack's imagination and viewpoint from a 5 year old's perspective, although I will admit to being a bit confused at a couple points as to what he was talking about (for example the first time he took some from the left). It was hard for me not to compare Jack to my 5 year old nephew. Made me wonder if his imagination worked the same as Jack's, for example speaking of the toilet or blanket like they were beings/people. What did other people think about Ma continuing to breast feed Jack for so long? Quote: Originally Posted by TonyandTricia
I really enjoyed the book. I agree that certain moments seemed to move very fast ie, "the great escape", the suicide attempt. I loved that they returned at the end so that Jack could see how he really was restricted and it wasn't as big as he had remembered. He barely recognized the place. I would miss my husband/family most about the outside world and the sun and wind. What did you guys think when the talk show host said some people criticized Ma for not giving Jack up in the beginning? Do you think she was selfish to keep him? I can see why people would criticize her, but I have to admit if I was in that situation I would have probably have kept him. It has to drive someone mad to be in solitary confinement indefinitely. Jack was her only hope and joy in life. I think Ma did a good job of not telling him from the beginning. Yes, it did seem like she kind of abandoned him, but at the same time she also was having to deal with joining the real world again herself.
